Tuesday, July 28, 2020

See Saline County's Risk Dial, COVID-19 Trends



Public Health Solutions, the local health care agency that serves Saline County, has released a coronavirus dashboard and risk dial. 

The PHS dashboard is available here.

The dashboard displays the total number of positive COVID-19 cases per month, by gender and by age group. It also tracks recovery rates for each of Public Health’s five districts including Saline, Fillmore, Thayer, Gage and Jefferson counties.

The risk dial can also be accessed through the dashboard, showing the current condition of cases within the district. As of July 24, the dial read “moderate” after a breakout of cases following a few weekend golf tournaments in Thayer County.

Both the risk dial and dashboard will be updated on Friday mornings.

Monday, July 27, 2020

Friend School Talks Consolidation With Exeter-Milligan; Vote Is Sept. 16


In case you haven't heard, members of the Friend Public School Board are talking consolidation again -- this time, it's with their neighbors to the west.

Readers of this blog may recall that about a dozen years ago, some Friend school board members approached Dorchester school leaders with the idea of consolidating the two institutions.

Fast forward 12 years later. 

At the July 7 Friend School Board meeting, there was lengthy discussion regarding a potential consolidation with Exeter-Milligan Public Schools in 2021. According to the Friend Sentinel, the meeting was held in the school’s new gym, with community members filling the bleachers to ensure social distancing.

Despite the controversial nature of consolidation, only 14 people took to the microphone to share their thoughts. Given the lack of passion against consolidation, it appears the merger has a shot, according to some Friend residents we've spoken with.

The Friend paper says that "some community members said they felt the board was rushing into a decision while others said not enough information has been shared with parents and students about the subject. Others suggested possible alternatives to a consolidation and inquired about the future of both school districts."

An official vote for consolidation is set for Sept. 16.

Friend and Exeter-Milligan have had football co-op for the past two seasons and a softball co-op with Fillmore Central Public Schools. The two districts also share a science teacher, Lorie Sliefert, with joint curriculum and a combined FFA chapter.

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Help Dorchester Get Needed Federal Funds: Fill Out The Census


The U.S. Constitution mandates that a census be taken every 10 years to count all people -- both citizens and non-citizens -- living in the United States. 

It's the law of our land.

Responding to the census is mandatory because getting a complete and accurate count of the population is critically important.

But there is more at stake than just following the law and getting a head count. Census totals help determine the amount of funding that state governments and local communities receive from the federal government for the next decade. For smaller communities like Dorchester, this is very important.

School lunches. Plans for highways. Support for firefighters and families in need. Census results affect our community every day. 

Have you filled out and returned your Census form yet? If not, do it today.

You may receive multiple mailings for the 2020 Census, including an invitation to respond to the 2020 Census and follow-up postcards and letters. 

You can choose to respond to the Census online, by phone, or by mail. Click here to respond online.

For frequently asked questions regarding the Census, click here.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Trapshooting Contests For Youth, Adults Will Be Held Monday, July 20


Get your shotguns ready.

This Monday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m., the Saline County Fair will host a trap shoot with 4-H/FFA youth. 

The event will feature an open class youth contest and adult contest. 

According to this flier, both the 4-H and open contests will be held at the Izaak Walton Cabin facilities at Tuxedo Park in Crete. 

Registration for both events start at 5 p.m.

In case of ball tournaments or inclement weather, the Saline County 4-H and open class trapshooting contests will be held Sunday, July 26. 

Get more information here.

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester Water Park Set to Open Yet This Summer


Splash Pad Set to Open Yet This Summer: As we previously reported, the water park in the Dorchester City Park has been closed this summer due to the pandemic. However, following a vote of the Dorchester village board last week, the splash pad will see action in 2020 -- and that's a big deal for Dorchester kiddos. For re-opening details, we suggest calling the Village Hall (402.946.3201) since the Village of Dorchester both owns and operates the water park. 

Want the Village Board to Take Up a Topic?: The next Dorchester Village Board meeting will be Monday, Aug. 3. If you have a specific topic you would like the Board of Trustees to discuss at that meeting or any future meeting, you'll need to fill out a public agenda request form. Click here for the form. According to the village's official website, submission must be received no later than one week before the meeting. The item will be reviewed to determine whether or not it requires chairman/board action, or whether it is in an item that needs to be handled by village staff.

Dorchester Schools Provide First Details of Reopening Plan: Dorchester Public School Superintendent Daryl Schrunk, who as been praised by district patrons for his frequent communications, today released initial information about plans for returning to school this fall. The first day of school is Aug. 19. Schrunk's letter, which can be seen here, says that because of the fluid situation with COVID-19 cases, many definitive decisions will be delayed until at least Aug. 3. Schrunk says parents will receive a letter with those plans in early August, as well as a guidance document. The DPS administration is committed to creating as "normal of an environment as possible" for the students, Schrunk says, while putting safety first. In the meantime, keep abreast of DPS news via the DPS Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Crete News Spotlights DHS Alumna's Running Accomplishments


The Crete News' most recent edition shines the spotlight on DHS alumna Alyssa Cochnar and her noteworthy running feats.

Now a martial arts instructor, Cochnar recently finished the Seward Virtual Freedom Run 10K on July 4 with her signature one-handed cartwheel. This was Cochnar’s 18th run since the beginning of January, according to the article.

The following excerpts come from The Crete News story:

"Cochnar was only able to do two 10K, or 6.2 mile, races before many were canceled or postponed due to gathering limitations because of COVID-19.


"Cochnar said benefits to doing virtual races include picking your own route and own time to run. She has found that she is running more often and longer routes since doing virtual races.

"Cochnar said she picks up local races when she can including those in Seward, Milford and Lincoln. She does this to not only support local communities, but also to promote Gold Star Martial Arts and her students.

"Doing virtual runs, and preparing for them, has made her more connected to people in town, she said. When she runs she sees people waving while sitting on their porches or just giving friendly smiles.

"She suggests virtual races as a family activity too."

Friday, July 3, 2020

OUR VIEW: Remember True Significance Of July 4


It's time to celebrate another Fourth of July. This year will be different, of course, for so many reasons.

As we approach the 244th anniversary of the founding of our nation, we want to pay tribute to the history and exceptionalism that  make our country the most successful experiment in human history.

If you say: "None of these principles apply today because they were the ideas and ideals of dead white men," we politely reply: "You're part of the problem, and you're hindering the constant struggle to evolve and perfect this unique experiment. Move out of the way and let the more mature minds lead." 

One of our favorite reminders of America's greatness came from President Ronald Reagan during his farewell speech in 1989. He said: "Ours was the first revolution in the history of mankind that truly reversed the course of government, and with three little words: 'We the people.' 'We the people' tell the government what to do, it doesn't tell us. 'We the people' are the driver -- the government is the car. And we decide where it should go, and by what route, and how fast. Almost all the world's constitutions are documents in which governments tell the people what their privileges are. Our Constitution is a document in which 'We the people' tell the government what it is allowed to do."

Today, in 2020, we are witnessing more of our elected officials needlessly asserting their power in some cases, while at the same time turning their backs on the safety of their constituents. It's clear they have either forgotten or ignored Reagan's wise words.

Since the 1960s, we have been warned of an eradication of the memory that could result in an erosion of the American spirit. Unfortunately, those warnings have turned prophetic in some cases. You've recently seen it in our streets with riots, anti-American sentiment, and the destruction of American history.

Too many Americans have never learned the story the American Revolution or been adequately taught about the revolutionary thought and sacrifices of our founders. Instead, two or three generations of Americans have been brainwashed by modern education, entertainment and news media, judging those the Founders -- those who fought and pledged their lives and fortunes for a better tomorrow -- with their "modern values." It's easy to do so when life has become so relatively easy, even for those on public assistance. 

This Fourth of July, we remind readers what Reagan said in that farewell speech 31 years ago: "All great change in America begins at the dinner table. So tomorrow night in the kitchen, I hope the talking begins. And children, if your parents haven't been teaching you what it means to be an American, let 'em know and nail 'em on it. That would be a very American thing to do."

Let's renew our own American spirits by re-examining the words of our Declaration of Independence. Let's take a few minutes to remember the true significance of July Fourth. 

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America

"When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes ... But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies ...

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved ... And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Schedule for Dorchester's Fourth Of July Celebration 2020


As we reported earlier, Dorchester has been unable to escape the COVID-related cancellations impacting Independence Day celebrations nationwide.

But town leaders and volunteers have decided that America's founding -- and the principles contained in its founding document -- are far too important to be sidelined by a virus that China's communist government failed to contain.

In a special meeting held June 25, the village board approved Dorchester's July 4 fireworks show. 

According to a social media post by the Dorchester Fourth of July Committee, the display will take place at its usual time of 10 p.m. on the north side of town. (We assume this means north of 12th Street.)

Those who gather to watch the show can "enjoy the show from the comfort of your vehicle," the committee notes, adding that "there will be no fireworks or seating on the football field or baseball/softball field."

The committee urges: "Please practice social distancing and follow the recommended guidelines."

Because this show would not be possible without generous donations, donations (checks made payable to "Dorchester 4th of July Committee") can be dropped off at First State Bank in Dorchester, or mailed to the bank (P.O. Box 264, Dorchester, NE 68343).

Here is Dorchester's Independence Day schedule for 2020 as we know it:
  • 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. - Dorchester's Official Fireworks StandFireworks sales will take place this year in the trailer south of the fire hall. We suggest you buy as many fireworks as you can fit in your budget. Blow off some extra to show you're proud of our nation and its constant efforts to form a more perfect union.
  • 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Saline County Museum Open for First Time in 2020: Admission is free. According to a social media post, visitors are asked be considerate of others and follow the CDC's recommended safety practices: use of masks/face coverings when near others, social distancing of at least 6 feet, and frequent hand washing. Please do not visit if you have a fever or any other signs of illness.
  • 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. - Pork Ribs and Sandwich Feed (Take-Out Only): The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund will be hosting a pork ribs and sandwich feed at the Dorchester Legion Hall from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.  This take-out-only event features pulled BBQ pork sandwiches or pork ribs, cole slaw, pork and beans, and a drink. Just show up or call in advance (402-641-0564) to ensure your order will be ready.
  • Late afternoon through early evening - Independence Day Cruise on Main StreetSeveral readers have told us via email that a cruise is planned for Dorchester's main street, late afternoon through early evening.
  • 10 p.m. - Dorchester's Famous Fireworks Show. North side of town. (No fireworks or seating on the football field. Observers must watch from their vehicles or socially distanced seating along the streets of Dorchester.)